Heat isolation apparatus for heat-shrinkable packaging

ABSTRACT

Heat isolation apparatus for capturing a specific area of heat-shrinkable plastic film used for packaging objects suitable for packaging as a heat-shrinkable package to prevent heat from reaching a specific area of the heat-shrinkable plastic film; a slotted track for transporting the heat-shrinkable plastic film and object to be packaged throughout the heat isolation apparatus; means for inserting the heat-shrinkable plastic film in an area of the heat isolation apparatus for capturing a portion of the heat-shrinkable plastic film that forms a designated area removed from the application of heat; means for propelling the heat-shrinkable plastic film and object to be packaged through the heat isolation apparatus; heat tunnel means for applying heat to the heat-shrinkable plastic film surrounding the object to be packaged and not to the plastic film captured by the apparatus; the means for propelling moving the object and heat-shrinkable plastic film to the heat tunnel; and means for securely capturing the designated area of heat-shrinkable plastic film to be isolated from the heat within the heat tunnel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to apparatus used to capture a specific area of heat-shrinkable plastic film used for packaging various and sundry items suitable for packaging in a heat-shrinkable package in a manner that heat is prevented from reaching the specific area of heat-shrinkable plastic film. The apparatus is put in motion via a track and transports the plastic film through a heat tunnel so as to shrink the plastic film outside of the apparatus while allowing the specific area of heat-shrinkable plastic film within the apparatus to remain untouched.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus is an evolution of the Apparatus for “Apparatus for Dividing Heat-Shrinkable Plastic Film Into Different Temperature Regions” as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/506,545, filed Apr. 27, 2012 and assigned to REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc. as is the present invention.

The following description in the aforementioned U.S. patent application is set forth herein as background for the present invention:

“This invention relates to apparatus for dividing heat-shrinkable plastic film into different temperature regions, for example one section of the heat-shrinkable plastic film has heat applied and another section of the film is isolated and maintained at a cooler temperature when passing through a heat shrink oven, for example. This allows a single shrink-wrap material to assume the characteristics of a shrunk portion and a non-shrunk portion.”

“The plastic film is shrunk over packages to secure the contents of the package and prevent damage to the contents of the package. Coils of wound filament material are often packaged in this manner. The invention has application to shrunk wrap packages in general and specifically to shrunk wrap packages of wound filament material wound in a figure-eight configuration known to the trade as a REELEX package.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

“An insulating barrier against the high temperatures typical of a heat shrink oven used to shrink wrap packages is achieved by a cylindrical tube mounted within the heat shrink oven and with a slit running along its entire length. At one end of the cylindrical tube a small section is cut away to provide a platform for resting a portion of the plastic shrink-wrap film prior to entry of the package into the shrink wrap oven and entry of the portion of the shrink wrap material into the slit in the cylindrical tube. The package and the portion of the film entering into the slit in the cylindrical tube travel the length of the oven together. An electric-operated cooling fan is mounted on the opposite end of the cylindrical tube. The fan forces cooler ambient air through the length of the cylindrical tube thereby maintaining a temperature inside the tube low enough to prevent shrinkage of that portion of the plastic shrink-wrap film as it passes through the cylindrical tube.”

“The cylindrical tube is then placed lengthwise inside the heat shrink oven, with the slit in the cylindrical tube facing towards the center of the oven. To operate the apparatus the electrical fan is switched on as the oven is turned on to suck ambient air into the end of the cylindrical tube with the platform and decreasing the temperature inside the cylindrical tube compared to the temperature inside the plastic shrink-wrap oven.”

“The portion of the plastic shrink-wrap film to be isolated from the heat of the oven is placed into the slit in the cylindrical tube and remains there the entire time the film and the package is inside the oven, thereby enabling the portion of the shrink-wrap film outside the tube to shrink and the portion of the shrink-wrap film inside the cylindrical tube to remain in its pre-shrunk form.”

The present invention was created to obtain the same result as that of the previously mentioned patent application, but to do so in a more consistent manner.

The apparatus of the present invention provides a means to reliably and repeatedly produce specialized heat-shrinkable packages using heat-shrinkable plastic film commonly used in the packaging industry. These specialized packages feature regions, typically a hand-hold region, that must remain undistorted throughout the heat isolation process to function as intended.

The apparatus is used to isolate the desired region of plastic film from the effects of heat in a repeatable and reliable manner suitable to a mass production environment. The present invention improves upon the original concept as set forth in the aforementioned patent application for the purpose of repeatable, consistent and high-speed production of ProFlex packages. ProFlex is a trade name of REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc. designating hand-portable, shrink-wrap packages for flexible linear filamentary products designed for tangle-free dispensing of electrical cables, communication cable, fiber cables and the like.

The advantages of this device compared with that of the handle isolation concept set forth and described in the aforementioned patent application are:

(1) The present invention creates a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing and undistorted hand-hold region in the heat isolation apparatus of the invention that is uniform and repeatable;

(2) the present invention securely isolates the portion of the plastic film placed in the heat isolation apparatus via a lockable “clamp-like” mechanism;

(3) The heat isolation apparatus of the present invention is designed to rest in a “track” that transports the plastic film in an upright manner through a heat source (heat tunnel commonly used in packaging); and

4) The heat isolation apparatus of the present invention is equipped with customizable and adjustable guides which keep an object placed into the shrink film pouch upright and secured during the heat shrinking process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects, features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the best mode of carrying out the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plate equipped with roller bearings on the bottom surface enabling the heat isolation apparatus of the invention to slide in any direction over a flat surface;

FIG. 2 shows hinged sculpted plates open so that the plastic film may be inserted in the captured area, then the hinged plates rotate and lock shut via a spring-loaded locking mechanism;

In FIG. 3, under the bottom plates, to which all other components are attached, is a protrusion designed to slide within a slotted track. The protrusion extends below the horizontal plane or track upon which the heat isolation apparatus of the invention rests while in motion and provides a structure through which the apparatus can be propelled from below;

FIG. 4 illustrates heat insulating plate components sculpted to match the product being packaged by the shrink film bag so that the product rests on top of the plates shown in FIG. 3 and is restricted from movement or shifting;

FIG. 5A shows the heat isolation apparatus positioned in front of a loading area such that when a release lever is pushed, the heat insulating plates unload and swing open;

FIG. 5B illustrates the closing of the plates after a human operator places a designated area of heat-shrinkable plastic film into the space between the heat insulating plates and closes the plates;

FIG. 5C shows the closed plates securely capturing the area of plastic film that is desired to be isolated from the heat and the plastic film is open on the opposite end from the captured area;

FIG. 5D illustrates the object to be packaged placed inside the plastic bag and rests on top of the sculpted panels and between the centering protrusions mounted on outside of each panel;

FIG. 5E shows the package and apparatus together positioned so that the open end of the plastic bag is inserted into a sealing device to create a sealed package; and

FIG. 5F shows the complete package after passing through the heat tunnel and is removed from the heat isolation apparatus by unlocking and separating the heat insulating plates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 the apparatus comprises plates (1) equipped with roller bearings (2) on the bottom surface of the plates (1) allowing the apparatus to slide in any direction over a flat surface. Attached to the plates (1) via hinges (not shown) are two pieces of sculpted heat insulating material (3, 4) which, when pressed together, capture an area of heat-shrinkable plastic film and prevent the captured area from being exposed to heat.

With respect to FIG. 2, hinged sculpted plates 9 open so that the plastic film (see FIGS. 5B and 5C) may be inserted into the recessed hollow 8 in slotted track 7 and defining a captured area between the sculpted plates 9. The sculpted plates 9 rotate and lock shut via a spring-loaded locking mechanism activated by locking lever (5). The plastic film may be removed or inserted by pressing lever (5), which unlocks the two plates (9) allowing them to swing away from each other, thus allowing the plastic film to be removed from the heat isolating apparatus apparatus.

With respect to FIG. 3, under the bottom of the heat insulating plates (9) (FIG. 2), to which all other components attach, is a protrusion (6) designed to slide within a slotted track (7). Protrusion (6) extends below the horizontal plane of track (7)) upon which the heat insulating device rests while in motion, providing a means through which the apparatus (12) of the invention can be propelled from below (FIGS. 5A-5F).

With respect to FIG. 4 and continuing reference to FIG. 2, on the insider surface of one of the heat insulating sculpted plates (9) is a recessed hollow (8, FIG. 1) in which a matching protrusion located on the opposite sculpted plate (9) nests. This aspect of the heat insulating apparatus locks the shrink bag (not shown) made of plastic film material in place, preventing it from being pulled free of the heat isolation apparatus during the heat-shrinkable packaging operation, as the surrounding plastic film shrinks and pulls on the isolated area of the plastic film. The sculpted plates 9 (FIG. 2) are designed so that their inside flat surfaces press firmly against each other, preventing the area within the flat surfaces from being exposed to heat.

With respect to FIG. 4, heat insulating plate components (9, only one shown, see FIG. 2) are sculpted to match the product being packaged in the shrink film bag (Ref. FIGS. 5A-5F) so that the product may rest on top of the heat insulating plates (9) and be restricted from movement or shifting. Protrusions 10 attached to the outsides of the heat insulating plates (9) press against the plastic shrink film bag (12) (FIG. 5B) to keep the plastic shrink film bag from falling to either side of the heat isolation apparatus while it is in motion. The protrusions (10) can be custom designed to match the dimensions of the plastic shrink bag (12, FIG. 5B) and maintain it in a vertical position where the two heat insulating plates (9) meet.

With reference to FIG. 5A, the slotted tracks 7 (FIG. 2) extend the entire length of the heat isolation apparatus and are positioned in front of a loading area (FIG. 2) where the locking lever (5) (FIG. 2) is manually pushed, allowing the heat insulating plates (9, 9) (FIG. 2) to unlock and swing open.

With reference to FIG. (5B) A human operator places a designated area of the heat-shrinkable plastic film or bag (12) into the space between the heat insulating material (3, 4) (FIG. 1) and closes the insulating plates (9, 9).

The closed insulating plates (9, 9) (FIG. 5C) securely capture the area of the heat-shrinkable plastic film or bag (12) between the heat insulating plates (9, 9) that is desired to be isolated from the application of heat during the production process describer herein. The heat-shrinkable plastic film or bag 12 is open on the opposite end from the captured area previously described (FIGS. 2 and 5C) to receive the product (14) to be packaged (see FIG. 5D).

The object (14) desired to be packaged is placed inside the plastic film or bag (12) and rests on top of the sculptured panels (9, 9, FIG. 2) and between the centering protrusions (10, 10) (FIG. 4) mounted on the outside of each panel as shown in FIG. 5D.

With respect to FIG. 5E, the object (14) to be packaged and the heat-shrinkable apparatus (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F) are together positioned so that the open-end of the plastic bag (12) is inserted into a sealing device (16), thus creating a sealed package. The apparatus and package then proceed into a heat tunnel which applies heat to the plastic film surrounding the object to be packaged, but not to the plastic film captured by the apparatus.

It is submitted that one of ordinary skill in the art of heat shrinking plastic film could adopt the features and principles of operation of the tunnel apparatus described in the aforementioned patent application to the use of such a heat tunnel as is necessary in the present invention.

Once through the heat tunnel, the sealed package (16) is complete and may be removed from the heat isolation apparatus by unlocking and separating the heat insulating plates (9, 9) (FIGS. 2 and 5F).

APPLICATIONS

The heat isolation apparatus for heat-shrinkable packaging described and claimed herein can be used in any instance in which an object is to be packaged using heat-shrinkable plastic film, and where a designated area of the plastic film must be kept isolated from the application of heat during the packaging process.

Specifically, this inventive heat isolation apparatus for heat-shrinkable packaging described and claimed herein has been developed to produce ProFlex packages (a product designation of REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc.), having the same owner as that of the present patent application. ProFlex packages are described as a heat-shrunk plastic bag with an integrated hand-hold. The hand-hold must be isolated from heat during the heat-shrinking process, and thus the apparatus of this patent application accomplishes this repeatedly and consistently. 

1. Heat isolation apparatus for capturing a specific area of heat-shrinkable plastic film used for packaging objects suitable for packaging as a heat-shrinkable package to prevent heat from reaching a specific area of the heat-shrinkable plastic film, comprising: a slotted track for transporting the heat-shrinkable plastic film and object to be packaged throughout the heat isolation apparatus; means for inserting the heat-shrinkable plastic film in an area of the heat isolation apparatus for capturing a portion of said heat-shrinkable plastic film that forms a designated area removed from the application of heat; means for propelling the heat-shrinkable plastic film and object to be packaged through the heat isolation apparatus; heat tunnel means for applying heat to the heat-shrinkable plastic film surrounding the object to be packaged and not to the plastic film captured by the apparatus; said means for propelling moving said object and heat-shrinkable plastic film to said heat tunnel; and means for securely capturing said designated area of heat-shrinkable plastic film to be isolated from the heat within the heat tunnel.
 2. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said track extends the entire length of the heat isolation apparatus.
 3. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, and said apparatus further including heat insulating plates and a loading area located on said track and wherein said track being manually positioned in front of said loading area and said apparatus further including a manually operated locking lever enabling said heat insulating plates to unlock and swing open.
 4. Heat isolation apparatus as in claim 1, further including insulating plates and wherein said means for inserting includes spaced heat insulating material and a human operator places a designated area of the heat-shrinkable material between the spaces of said heat insulating material.
 5. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for propelling includes a protrusion sliding within and extending below said slotted track.
 6. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for securely capturing said designated area further including an insulating pair of closed insulating plates.
 7. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 2, and said apparatus further including heat insulating plates and a loading area located on said track and wherein said track being manually positioned in front of said loading area and said apparatus further including a manually operated locking lever enabling said heat insulating plates to unlock and swing open.
 8. Heat isolation apparatus as in claim 2, further including insulating plates and wherein said means for inserting includes spaced heat insulating material and a human operator places a designated area of the heat-shrinkable material between the spaces of said heat insulating material.
 9. Heat isolation apparatus as in claim 3, further including insulating plates and wherein said means for inserting includes spaced heat insulating material and a human operator places a designated area of the heat-shrinkable material between the spaces of said heat insulating material.
 10. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means for propelling includes a protrusion sliding within and extending below said slotted track.
 11. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means for propelling includes a protrusion sliding within and extending below said slotted track.
 12. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for securely capturing said designated area further including an insulating pair of closed insulating plates.
 13. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for securely capturing said designated area further including an insulating pair of closed insulating plates.
 14. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means for securely capturing said designated area further including an insulating pair of closed insulating plates.
 15. Heat isolation apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said means for securely capturing said designated area further including an insulating pair of closed insulating plates.
 16. Heat isolation apparatus for capturing a specific area of heat-shrinkable plastic film used for packaging objects suitable for packaging as a heat-shrinkable package to prevent heat from reaching a specific area of the heat-shrinkable plastic film, comprising: a slotted track for transporting the heat-shrinkable plastic film and object to be packaged throughout the heat isolation apparatus; means for inserting the heat-shrinkable plastic film in an area of the heat isolation apparatus for capturing a portion of said heat-shrinkable plastic film that forms a designated area removed from the application of heat; means for propelling the heat-shrinkable plastic film and object to be packaged through the heat isolation apparatus; heat tunnel means for applying heat to the heat-shrinkable plastic film surrounding the object to be packaged but not to the plastic film captured by the apparatus; said means for propelling moving said object and heat-shrinkable plastic film to said heat tunnel; means for securely capturing said designated area of heat-shrinkable plastic film to be isolated from the heat within the heat tunnel; wherein said track extends the entire length of the heat isolation apparatus; said apparatus further including heat insulating plates and a loading area located on said track and wherein said track being manually positioned in front of said loading area and said apparatus further including a manually operated locking lever enabling said heat insulating plates to unlock and swing open; further including insulating plates and wherein said means for inserting includes spaced heat insulating material and a human operator places a designated area of the heat-shrinkable material between the spaces of said heat insulating material; wherein said means for propelling includes a protrusion sliding within and extending below said slotted track; wherein said means for securely capturing said designated area further including an insulating pair of closed insulating plates. 